Broward sent five teams to state a year ago. Teams want to improve those numbers.

It's been a remarkable few years for girls basketball in Broward County.

Last season, the area sent five teams to the state tournament. Two — Dillard and Hollywood Christian — brought home championships.

Now, as regional tournaments begin, teams are once again setting their sights on Lakeland. And Broward's two defending champs are hoping to lead the way in another banner year.

"Our goal is to go back and send as many teams up there as we can," said Dillard forward Kayla Wright, a preseason Sun Sentinel Fab 5 selection.

"Last year showed that we have a lot of talent down here. And when we're there, we love supporting one another. A lot of us play travel ball together, so we want to be in the stands cheering them on."

Adds Dillard coach Marcia Pinder: "It's a great feeling to have all of us up there. I know right now, every team is taking it one game at a time and at this point, no one takes winning for granted."

For the Panthers, the quest to claim a third consecutive 5A title is personal.

Even though Dillard (21-4) has already won six state championships, Pinder — the state's winningest basketball coach — has never won three consecutive titles.

Wright says that's something Dillard players will be thinking about throughout their regional tournament run which begins Thursday against Jensen Beach (8-17).

"We're very hungry to get back and we're doing everything possible and everything our coaches ask us," Wright said.

"Miss Pinder does a lot for us, and we want to give back to her. I think that's part of the reason a three-peat would mean a lot to us."

Like Dillard, Hollywood Christian (17-7) is no postseason newcomer.

The Eagles, who open regional play against Greater Miami Academy, advanced to three consecutive state tournaments before winning the 1A title in 2011.

This season, their first as a defending champion, has had its challenges. There have been close losses against bigger schools such as Archbishop McCarthy and American Heritage.

The team has also had to adjust to playing without one of its key contributors, preseason Fab 5 selection Rebecca Lyttle.

Lyttle, a Michigan signee, tore her ACL early this season.

While Ariah Osceola, a senior who averages 18 points and six assists per game, has taken on an increased leadership role, Eagles coach Carlos Adamson said filling the void left by Lyttle's injury has been a team effort.

"Ariah has stepped up in the scoring role, but I can't really say it's been just one player," Adamson said.

"Everyone has done their part. Rebecca was a big part of our team. No one player can fill her spot."

Also looking to put together solid postseason runs are traditional powers Nova (22-3) and South Broward (16-8).